D-League: Cebuana five eyes 2-0 start vs MP Hotel

MANILA, Philippines—Cebuana Lhuillier hopes overconfidence won’t get in its way again when it vies for the early lead in the PBA D-League Foundation Cup Thursday at Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig City.

Fresh from a one-point escape against Cafe France after trailing by 21 points, the Gems go for a second straight victory over MP Hotel in the second of a three-game bill at 2 p.m.

“We shouldn’t believe that we are a strong team,” said Gems coach Boycie Zamar. “We may be strong on paper, but we have to prove it on the court.”

KeraMix (formerly Racal Motors) and AMA University also aim for a 2-0 start versus separate opponents.

The Mixers tackle newcomer Liver Marin at 4 p.m., while the Titans battle last conference’s runner-up Cagayan Valley at 12 noon.

Cebuana will lean on Moala Tautuaa, who joined the Gems just a conference after powering the Rising Suns to the Finals versus eventual champion Hapee.

Last Monday, Tautuaa played hero right in his debut with the Gems by nailing the game-clinching free throw with 2.7 seconds left in the 86-85 win over over the Bakers.